THE Cotswold School is embarking upon a £2.3 million building project this summer.

It is the most ambitious multiprogramme building project since the school was established on the grounds of Bourton Vale Secondary Modern in 1988.

A 10-room maths block will be built along with an enlarged, canopied courtyard area which will be erected on the site of the old maths building. The school dining room and food technology department are also undergoing a much-needed extension and all the new facilities should be ready in time for the new school year in September.

At the helm of the venture is the school’s business manager Val Turner who has co-ordinated fund-raising.

School spokesman Helen Monteith said: “It’s been a fascinating project for Val to work on. It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for her.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Turner has been nominated in the outstanding business and financial team category of the TES School Awards and is hoping to beat four other contenders at a ceremony next month.

Headteacher Will Morgan said: “Val always leads by example, putting in gruelling hours, supporting her colleagues, encouraging her team and approaching every new challenge with an unswerving ‘can do’ attitude.”

• Excavation work on the site last October unearthed an Iron Age foodstore, livestock shelter and a 40ft roundhouse along with 20 skeletons in what was believed to be a community grave. A team from Cotswold Archaeology said the grave dated back to when the Romans occupied Britain.